farooq-abdullah-to-contest-in-j-k-assembly-elections

National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah announced on Saturday that he will participate in the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

During a press conference in Jammu, Abdullah stated his intention to contest the assembly polls.

 

He also mentioned that once statehood is restored, he will step down, and his son, Omar Abdullah, will run for the seat.

 

Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have decided not to contest the polls until statehood is fully restored in J&K.

 

Abdullah emphasised that the central government has promised the restoration of statehood, and all parties are advocating for its complete and prompt reinstatement.

 

Regarding the election schedule, Abdullah said that it would reveal the preparedness of the parties for the elections.

 

He added that any decisions about pre-poll alliances would be made after thorough discussions within the party.

 

On Friday, the Election Commission of India announced a three-phase election for Jammu and Kashmir, which has been long overdue.

 

The first phase will take place on September 18, the second on September 25, and the third on October 1.

 

The results will be declared on October 4, alongside the results of the Haryana assembly elections, which will also be held on October 1.

 

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has been increased to 90 seats instead of 87. This includes 47 seats for the Kashmir division and 43 seats for the Jammu division.

 

Additionally, the delimitation commission has reserved nine seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and seven seats for Scheduled Castes (SC).